Soufflé? Good. Pancakes? Good. Soufflé pancakes? A match we're very keen to get behind — and one Sydneysiders can experience for themselves at Gram Cafe's first store on Australian soil.
Founded by Takeshi Takata, Gram Cafe opened its first store dedicated to sky-high soufflé pancakes in Osaka back in 2014, before quickly gaining a cult following across Japan (and across the internet). Since then, it has opened more than 60 stores in Asia, Canada and the US. As of February 2020, a Chatswood cafe is among that number, too.
To make sure each pancake is as light and fluffy as its Osaka counterparts, the Sydney chefs have been trained by the big boss from Japan. They're whipping up a batter heavy with egg whites, steaming it under metal domes and then cooking it until its golden on the outside and white and fluffy on the inside. For $18.90, you'll get a stack of three ultra-light pancakes, each with a soufflé consistency and drizzled with syrup.
There are eight different flavours to try, including matcha, tiramisu, caramelised banana and honey apple with earl grey cream. Plus, there are a few other brunch items on the menu, too, including french toast (from $10.90), savoury pancakes ($19.90), parfaits ($8.90) and smoothies ($3.50).
Of course, such aesthetically pleasing food comes in a pretty package, with the cafe itself sporting a luxurious green, grey and gold colour palette, complete with velvet chairs, luscious hanging plants and neon lights.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, Sydney's dedicated soufflé pancake store started offering its fluffy dishes to-go — and is continuing to do so. You can either pick them up from the store or get them delivered via DoorDash, UberEats, Deliveroo and Easi.